2024 DIVERSITY DATABASE UNDERWRITER Morrison & Foerster LLP

Our Survey Says

VAULT'S VERDICT:

For high-level work, dedication to diversity, and pro bono experience, associates would be hard-pressed to do better than MoFo. Law school attended, grades, clerkships, and work experience all impact hiring, but so do diversity and personality. Lawyers and staff are all friendly and respect one another, and while they enjoy social experiences together, they also understand having lives outside of work. Partners get along with associates and appreciate the work they do, but firm transparency and communication about policy decisions could be better. Associates learn a lot through a strong formal training program, and wish there were better informal training and mentorship opportunities. Training for lateral hires, as well as overall integration, ensures they feel like part of the team immediately. Work assignments range from substantive to administrative, with higher-quality work seemingly dispensed based on experience, past work, and availability. MoFo imposes a reasonable billable hour requirement of 1,950 hours, which includes pro bono and diversity-related work. Salaries and bonuses match the market, but associates don’t like the strict guidelines for earning bonuses. Firm tech receives low marks and needs major upgrades, while wellness efforts make associates feel like the firm cares about their well-being. There's a strong commitment to pro bono work—unlimited (within reason) pro bono hours count toward the billable goal. Similarly, people feel good about diversity efforts in terms of task forces, affinity groups, and 50 hours of billable hour credits each year. Partnership prospects are realistic, as is being promoted to counsel, and those who leave MoFo have in-house options with Silicon Valley tech companies and startups.

THE FIRM'S PERSPECTIVE

Morrison Foerster transforms complexity into advantage. With our collective intelligence, we shape powerful legal strategies that move your business forward while living our shared values.

We solve your most critical multidimensional challenges in a way that provides clarity around the risk you are facing and gives you confidence in your chosen path. We pair diversity of perspective with a strategic consultative approach to craft the tailored strategies you need. We foster trusted partnerships that are defined by winning for you when it matters most.

Our clients include some of the largest financial institutions, Fortune 100 companies, and leading technology and life sciences companies. Whether established for decades or just an entrepreneur’s idea, we represent organizations as they grow, innovate, disrupt, and develop into leading industry players and household names.